Guidelines for Choosing the Right Pair of Sun Glasses

Your skin isn’t the only body part that can be harmed by ultraviolet rays. Sunlight, specifically ultraviolet (UV) radiation, has been linked to several eye conditions. It can cause macular degeneration and cataracts, a clouding of the lens of the eye that usually occurs with aging. A good pair of sunglasses can shield your eyesight but what types of sunglasses provide the best protection? Before you pick up a pair of cheap drugstore sunglasses or spend a pretty penny for a designer pair, keep these tips in mind while selecting sunglasses:

Get glasses which protects from UV light

Understanding the ill-effects of UV on your eyesight, you very well know the importance of protection from these rays. So choose sunglasses whose lenses block 99 or 100% of UVB (short-wave) and UVA (long-waves). Glasses with full UV protection will have this mentioned on a sticker or label on them. Another label type says “UV 400 protection” which indicates that you are protected from ultraviolet light at a wavelength of 400 nanometres.

Consider protection from glare

This is particularly important for those working near water (for e.g. a beach) because they need protection from reflected sunlight over these water bodies. Polarized lenses are the ones which can help you this situation and also help you from the reflection in flat surfaces like snow, pavement, or hoods of cars. So get sunglasses with polarized lenses if you spend a lot of time in the vicinity of water.

Choose large but close-fit sunglasses

A study shows that six to eleven percent of skin cancers happen around eyes, especially near the lower eyelid. The reason for this has been identified as the thin skin around eyelid being susceptible to cancerous elements. Doctor’s advice is to get wraparound glasses or sunglasses which are big enough to cover those areas as well while protecting your eyes from UV light.

Cheap ones should be avoided

For one, the lenses inside the cheap sunglasses are less likely to provide protection if any and you won’t be able to see as well out of them.

Test the quality of optics

To test optical quality when trying on sunglasses, focus on a vertical edge or line as you look through the lens. Move your head back and forth as your eyes sweep across the lens. If the line seems to wiggle, the lenses may be defective and you should choose another pair.